Micky Arison- a name that you might be familiar with. In 1995, he made a bold move to purchase an NBA team. And it was the Miami Heat franchise for $32.5 million. He literally came as an angel to the team! At the time, they were struggling to find a footing in the competitive NBA landscape. Arison, who already had a successful business track record as the chairman of Carnival Corporation, saw potential. He had the vision of turning it into a powerhouse.

Guess what? Today, Micky Arison holds a huge 88% stake in the Miami franchise, making him the principal owner and the person largely responsible for the Heat’s success.

The remaining 12% of the team is divided among a few key figures, including Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, businessman Raanan Katz, and investors Robert Sturges and Amancio Suarez. Despite a smaller stake, they’ve still played significant roles in the team’s growth.

One of Arison’s smartest influential moves is still seen making waves in the team. Hiring Pat Riley. As the team’s president and HC (stints), of course. The seasoned veteran brought leadership, shaping the team’s dynamics. The duo’s vision led the team to its first NBA title in 2006, with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal playing pivotal roles. Teamwork, right? But wait until you read ahead.

Real success came in 2010 when LeBron James chose to join the team. They convinced James to team up with D-Wade and Chris Bosh, forming their iconic “Big Three”. Well, now that was a great idea, in retrospect. This Championship era successfully transformed the Heat from a local favorite into a global powerhouse. One of the reasons why they attracted more fans and also significant revenue.

However, as the years went by, one thing can be safely said- the Heat’s value appreciated. Per Forbes, as of 2024, it was valued at a staggering $3 billion. This represents an extraordinary increase from the $32.5 million Arison initially paid for the team!

“It’s a shame that Pat and [I] get a little bit more focus than some of the other guys, but believe me, they put in a whole lot more work,” Micky once blurted out.

It’s a true reflection of how a savvy businessman’s vision, paired with the right leadership, can transform a struggling team into a global sports institution. However, with that, let’s get into what other businesses he has.

What is Micky Arison’s net worth? Along with the Miami Heat, what else does he own?

As of 2025, Micky Arison’s net worth is estimated to be a whopping $9.1 billion.

Other than the Miami Heat, he also owns Carnival Corporation. Now it is where his wealth primarily stems from. He stands as the Chairman of the Carnival Corporation.

Arison took over Carnival in 1979 and led it as CEO until 2013. Even after stepping down, though, he remains deeply involved in their day-to-day operations. His influence and track record are undeniable, steering organizations toward significant growth over decades.

Two interesting facts – It is the world’s largest cruise operator! Micky’s sister Shari Arison, lives in Israel and is also a billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist!